4 Children’s Favorite Snacks Made Healthy

Tired of the usual burgers, fries, pizza, and donuts? These recipes will not only give your kids what they want, but also let you serve nutritious healthy offerings. (Shhh! Your kids won’t notice, and they don’t have to know.)

1. Beef Burger Sliders with Malunggay

Instead of ordering takeout, why not make your own burgers? When making your own burger patties, sneak in some finely-chopped malunggayleaves to boost its nutrient content. Malunggay has seven times more vitamin C than oranges.

These are the ingredients you’ll need:

500 grams ground beef sirloin

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons soy sauce

¼ cup onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped

½ cup carrots, finely chopped

⅓ cup malunggay leaves, finely chopped

¼ cup whole-wheat bread crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup refined coconut oil

⅓ cup reduced fat mayonnaise

16 mini hamburger buns or whole-wheat pandesal, split in half

lettuce leaves

16 tomato slices

2. Zucchini Fries

No kid would say no to French fries. Substitute potatoes with zucchinis and you’re setting your child dose of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and fiber—that’s more nutrients he’ll need, without the extra fat. Bake them crispy and your child wouldn’t think twice about getting seconds.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 large or 3 medium sized zucchinis

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 eggs, beaten

refined coconut oil, for brushing

3. Wonton Pizza Cups

These bite-sized pizza cups are easier to eat and healthier than the average greasy pizza. Your child will enjoy the “unconventional” way of having his pizza fix for sure. The best part? He won’t even know it’s full of veggies.

These are the ingredients you’ll need:

48 pieces wonton wrappers

refined coconut oil, for greasing

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons onion, chopped

2 teaspoons garlic, chopped

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup whole corn kernels

½ cup mushrooms, chopped

½ cup green bell pepper, chopped

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

4. Homemade No Bake “Munchkins”

Of course, sweet treats will never be absent from your kiddo’s list of favorite foods. These homemade “munchkins” (donut holes) can give your tot an energy boost from all-natural ingredients. A plus for you, mom: these are easy to make!

Here’s all you’ll need:

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1 cup rolled oats

½ cup peanut butter, at room temperature

½ cup honey

1 cup dry milk powder

½ cup chocolate malt powder (we used Milo)

Find the full recipes and more healthy food ideas from The Sexy Chef Cookbook:Eat Clean Love, by sisters and best-selling authors Chef Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck and Rachel Alejandro.

Get a copy now! Available at bookstores, newsstands, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide for only P295. You can also download the digital edition here.